There's drug trafficking, violent attacks, petty theft, and scams. There are no-go areas in Ecuador – the border region with Colombia is one such place. On top of that, there's a high risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, as well as bad (very bad) weather.
The short answer is YES, Ecuador is safe, as long as you take proper care. Ecuador is as safe as most other developing countries, and cities like Quito to be as safe as most major cities in the world, but with the general proviso that you should always travel with care and common sense, and be streetwise.
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ecuador: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Ecuador has a universal health coverage (UHC) system providing all citizens the right to free healthcare in public facilities, including emergency care.
Ecuador has a history of previous Zika Virus transmission. There is currently no evidence of an ongoing Zika Virus outbreak.
If you want to expose your throat to something a little more painful, have a shot of aguardiente -- Spanish for "fire water" -- a strong spirit (60-100 proof, or more if it's homemade) made from fermented sugarcane and all but officially considered the national liquor of Ecuador.
Malaria risk is low throughout the year in areas below 1500m including coastal provinces. There is no risk in Guayanquil, Quito, other cities in the inter-Andean region and the Galapagos islands. Malaria precautions are essential.
Ecuador is famous for being home to the Galapagos Islands, but there is so much more to the fourth smallest nation in South America. From its historic links to the ancient Inca to unusual modern-day exports, here are 12 amazing things you didn't know about Ecuador.
Here are 10 of the absolute unquestionably best things to buy from this extremely diverse country!
- Chocolate. Premium Chocolates.
- Coffee. Arabica. Robusta. Coffee in Ecuador.
- Hats. The Process of Making Panama Hats. Harvesting, Processing, and Weaving.
- Blankets.
- Sweaters, Scarves, Ponchos, and Hoodies.
- Backpacks.
- Leather.
- Tagua.
Currently, 93% of Ecuador has access to basic drinking water. Due to the implementation of basic sanitation needs in Ecuador's sustainability plan, improvement is evident within urban and rural areas throughout the country.
The tap water is excellent quality, unfortunately the pipes aren't, so water can get contaminated on it's way to you. It also tastes quite strongly chlorinated. I cook, wash, brush my teeth etc with tap water, but I drink bottled water, mainly for the taste.
Drinkable WaterIt's relatively common knowledge that the tap water in Cuenca is safe for drinking. This is because Cuenca's water supply comes from the nearby lakes of the Cajas region, in the mountains.
Overall Crime and Safety SituationThe U.S. Department of State has assessed Guayaquil as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Crime continues to present a severe problem.
Guayaquil is very pleasant, although a little dangerous. It is a coastal/port city and popular among visitors. Definitely worth a visit if you've been to Quito, but if I had to choose as an either/or I would definitely say Quito. 4.
Uber is also popular in Quito and Guayaquil.
The airport is open 24 hours.
As far as healthy living goes, Cuenca is a top pick. Boasting notably clean mountain air alongside stores and markets packed with fresh local produce, this city is popular with expats for its relaxed atmosphere and safe environment, as well as its low cost of living.
Here's a list of 16 different things that you can do to stay safe while in Ecuador.
- Keep Money Hidden.
- Be Taxi Smart.
- Avoid the Rough End of Town.
- Don't Walk Around with Your Passport.
- Be Careful with Buses.
- Watch What You Eat.
- Watch What You Drink.
- Swing by the Clinic.
Limited police and judicial resources, border security challenges, and low apprehension rates contribute to Ecuador's overall high crime rate. Violent crime has remained high over the last few years, with U.S. citizens reporting crimes that include armed assault, robbery, sexual assault, home invasion, and homicide.
I think Quito would be worth the trip but that is just a personal opinion. The views from Quito are much more spectacular with 3 snow capped peaks around the city despite it being on the equator. The mitad del mundo (equator) is also worth a visit although it is very touristy.
Transport OptionsThe airport is about 5km north of downtown. A taxi in either direction should cost around $5 and take around 20 minutes.
Wildlife presents the most common potential danger when visiting the Galapagos. But by simply following the rules and keeping your distance, you'll be safe. Remember that the sea lions, iguanas and birds don't know the rules – so sometimes they approach you!
Insect repellent: The Galapagos doesn't have many mosquitoes or biting insects, but bring a little repellent just in case.
The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands is from December to May. Though the Galápagos is beautiful year-round, these months offer temperatures ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s, making pleasant conditions for hiking and wildlife-spotting.
You can bring a limited amount of processed food such as cookies, candy bars, a limited amount of soft drinks, but everything will be checked through X-Rays and the personal of the Galapagos National Park Authority at the Airport in Quito or Guayaquil as well as your land to the island.
Ninety-five percent of the land area of Galapagos is designated as protected by the Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD), and tourists are permitted to explore specific visitor sites only with Park-certified naturalist guides (refer to the Park rules).
13 Must-Have Items to Pack for a Galapagos Islands Cruise
- Hiking Shoes / Boots.
- Teva-Style Sandals / Water Shoes.
- Deck shoes or Sandals.
- Thin and Breathable Hiking Socks.
- Hiking shorts / Light full-length hiking pants.
- T-Shirts / Safari Shirts / Long Sleeve Shirts.
- Light Fleece / Wind Shell.
- Light Back Pack or Fanny Pack.
A round-trip ticket from the mainland to the Galapagos can cost as much as $600. Children aged 11 and under (at time of travel) can get up discounts up to 50% depending on the airline for flights, but also for the Galapagos national park fee and migration card.
A: The Galapagos has four inhabited islands that each offer hotel options: Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana. The other islands and islets of the archipelago are not inhabited by humans, and do not permit any overnight stays. In fact, visiting sites are only accessible from 6 am to 6 pm.
Your best bet for getting to the Galapagos is to fly into Baltra Island before taking a bus and ferry ride to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the most popular tourist hub. Another option is to fly into the capital of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, but most cruises start in Santa Cruz.
